Sylvia Jane Balman

Sylvia Jane (Eckert) Balman, age 73, of Liberal, Kansas, died peacefully on June 19, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Society in Liberal, following a brief illness. She was born December 2, 1944 to Charles and Sylvia Eckert.

Janie studied Library Science at Emporia State University, worked in the wheat harvest business and was a part-time fashion model and actress. She always had a heart for serving others and regularly gave back to her community, volunteering at the Historical Santa Fe Trail Center, Meals on Wheels, the Liberal Public Library, and Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz Museum. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and acted in numerous plays at the Colby Community College Drama Department, all while raising her two sons. Those who knew Janie appreciated her candid nature and sense of humor – she called it like she saw it!
She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Balman, her parents, Charles & Sylvia Eckert, and her brother, Harvey Eckert.

She is survived by her children, Marc Strait of Brooklyn, NY, Michael Strait (Heather) of Honolulu, HI, Leslie Coker (Rusty) of Topeka, KS, Dan Balman (Dixie) of Hays, KS, Rich Balman (Angie) of Olathe, KS, twelve grandchildren, sister in law Patsy Eckert (Harvey), her nieces and nephews, and her best friend, Marianne.

There are no services as cremation has taken placed and there will be no visitation.